On Sunday December 9, from 2 until 4 pm, the Onondaga Historical Association is offering a special treat for the holiday season.  Stop in to the OHA Museum and enjoy the opportunity to meet a special visitor from the past, Charles Dickens, whose free presentation will help get patrons in the traditional holiday spirit.  At the same time, over half a dozen more contemporary authors will be present to sign recent books focusing on Upstate New York history.  Copies will be available through the OHA Museum Gift Shop that day with a special one-day discount. Refreshments will also be served, by none other than Mrs. Bob Cratchit, herself.  And there will be a chance for buying a raffle ticket to win a basket of special holiday surprises.

Charles Dickens, portrayed by professional actor Scott Peal, is not unknown in Syracuse, although he last visited almost 140 years ago.  In 1868, the famous English author stopped in the Salt City to tender readings from his Pickwick Papers and The Christmas Carol. He performed on the stage of Clinton Square’s Wieting Hall, a space that predated the famous opera house. Local reviewers were surprised by his small stature, but generally complimentary of his “power of expression.” 

Dickens, however, had the misfortune of arriving in Syracuse in early March.  He reported that Syracuse was, “a very grim place in a heavy thaw.”  Nevertheless, he was pleased with the attendance and ticket sales, which encouraged him for a possible return engagement.  It has taken him quite a long time but Mr. Dickens has finally been able to work Syracuse back into his busy lecturing schedule.

At the OHA Museum, he will offer amusing anecdotes from his life and participants will enjoy his wit and wisdom as he offers a glimpse of Victorian life and its customs.  He will also offer a few lessons and activities in use of one’s faculties of observation and imagination, important talents for a successful writer.  And finally, participants will enjoy listening to Mr. Dickens read excerpts from A Christmas Carol.

Following his presentations, Mr. Dickens will invite everyone to visit with several other authors who will have gathered at the OHA Museum for a Historical Book Signing, a wonderful opportunity for picking up some final holiday gifts, ones made most personal and unique by the author’s signatures.  Books by those authors present can be purchased that day at the OHA Museum Gift Shop and then brought to the authors for signing.

Scheduled to be at the OHA Museum that afternoon will be the following Syracuse University Press authors, listed with the books that will be available:

Dennis Connors
Crossroad in Time: An Illustrated History of Syracuse

Robert Bogdan:
Real Photo Postcard Guide: The People’s Photography
Adirondack Vernacular: The Photography of Henry M. Beach

Milton Sernett:
Abolition’s Axe: Beriah Green, Oneida Institute and the Black Freedom Struggle
North Star Country: Upstate New York & The Crusade for African American Freedom

 Jim Pula:
Ethnic Utica
New York Mills: The Evolution of a Village

Anthony Wonderley:
Oneida Iroquois: Folklore, Myth and History

 Christopher Vecsey:
The Iroquois and Their Neighbors
Iroquois Land Claims

John Robert Greene:
The Hill: An Illustrated Biography of Syracuse University 1870-Present
Syracuse University: The Tolley Years
Syracuse University: The Eggers years

The OHA Museum is located downtown at 321 Montgomery Street.  Free, on street parking is available on Sundays.  This event is open to the public and admission to the museum is free.  All exhibit areas will be open and the museum will be decorated for the holidays. For more information, please visit the OHA web site at www.cnyhistory.org or contact the OHA Education Department at 428-1864 ext 313 and by e-mail at ohamaill2002@yahoo.com